Pakistan’s first human milk bank closes following a fatwa

The Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) has suspended its Human Milk Bank project following a revised fatwa, which has prompted discussions and consultations with religious authorities. The project, inaugurated with support from Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, UNICEF, and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), aimed to provide breast milk to premature babies unable to receive sufficient nutrition from their mothers. This initiative was crucial for addressing health risks faced by premature infants, including complications and infections due to inadequate breast milk.

Initially, the project received a fatwa in December 2023 endorsing its objectives. However, a subsequent fatwa issued on June 16 prompted its suspension, citing reasons that necessitated a pause in operations. In response, SICHN has announced plans to seek further guidance from Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). These consultations are aimed at ensuring that the Human Milk Bank aligns with Islamic principles and guidelines before any decisions are made about its future.

Read More: 500 million planets are there to support human life like earth

The institution remains committed to providing breast milk from Muslim women to Muslim children free of cost, emphasizing its humanitarian mission and the critical health needs it addresses. The suspension highlights the complexity of balancing healthcare initiatives with religious considerations in Pakistan. As discussions progress, the focus is on resolving concerns and potentially reinstating the project in a manner that respects both healthcare imperatives and religious directives.